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The Smart Drug Consumer Six Questions that Can Save You Money and Could Even Save Your Life Millions of seniors who can't afford their prescription drugs are going without. At the same time millions more are taking too many drugs, or the wrong drugs, or a potentially hazardous combination that could lead to serious health problems. What can you do? Here are six questions you should always ask your doctor and pharmacist. Do you know what drugs I take? Review with your physician and your pharmacist what medications you are taking. In today's world of multiple doctors and specialists it's all too easy for one not to know what the other is prescribing. A new drug could negatively interact with the other medications you are taking. Your money gets wasted on an expensive drug that just makes you feel worse. Keep a list of everything you take, including copies of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and food supplements and review all with your physician and pharmacist. Pharmacies have computer programs which can alert the pharmacist to negative drug interactions, but if you get prescriptions filled at different pharmacies, a negative interaction could get missed. Do I really need this prescription? Frequently there are other ways to treat a condition such as a change in diet or exercise. There may be other less expensive treatments or drugs to treat your condition. For example, for chronic urinary tract infections a doctor may recommend that you drink cranberry juice for a day or two before spending $50 or more on antibiotics. Do you have free samples? Before leaving your doctor's office, ALWAYS ask for a free sample. Drug companies give out large supplies. This allows you to try the drug first to find out how effective it is in treating your condition and if you have any negative side effects. Do you participate in manufacturer- patient assistance programs that provide drugs? Your doctor may be able to enroll you in a patient assistance program to supply your medications at no charge through the manufacturer. Eligibility varies by manufacturer, so ask for each new prescription. Is there a generic for this drug? Generics are still less expensive than brand name drugs and are virtually no different. What pharmacy has the best price? Surveys around the country have found extreme price disparities among pharmacies, even in the same community. Increasing numbers of seniors are using mail-order pharmacies. Call for a price quote. Have your prescription name, strength, and quantity on hand when you call. Two places to try are AARP at (800)305-6992 and DrugPlace.com at (800)881-6325. Be sure to add the costs of shipping and handling when comparing prices. This article first appeared in Volume 4, Issue 10 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (October/1999). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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